Updated 29 January 2014

The President of The World Federation Dr. Asgher Moledina visited His Eminence Ayatullah Sistani (DA) after the Arbaeen Commemorations in Najaf-al-Ashraf. The President conveyed the community’s greetings and prayers for the long life and good health of His Eminence.

His Eminence returned greetings to the community and said he saw himself a servant of the Ummah.

The President sought counsel from His Eminence on a range of religious and social issues. In particular, the President sought guidance from His Eminence on moves in some quarters to create distance between the Marjaiyat and the Muqalideen. His Eminence stated that the trend of distancing spiritual authority from its followers was a European phenomenon and has its roots going back over 400 years. He particularly referred to how the protestant movement in Europe distanced the people from the Pope. He also stated that amongst the Muslims the trend of spiritual authority getting close to political leadership led to the followers distancing themselves from spiritual leaders.

His Eminence further stated that Najaf was unique in that it maintains its independence from any political interference and that it also maintains simplicity and austerity emulating the path of the Ahlul Bayt (SA). This facilitates a strong link between the Marjaiyat and the Muqalideen. He stated that a meaningful and purposeful life (Ma’nawiyat) was only possible through guidance through spiritual leadership. His Eminence spent considerable time emphasising the need for spiritual leaders to exercise austerity and emulate the life of Imam Ali (AS).

His Eminence then invited the World Federation to partake in the expansion of the Hawza Infrastructural Project for the students in Najaf and stated that communal Institutions such as the World Federation were here to stay and as such he wanted a perpetual presence of the community to be part of the grand complex being developed under His Eminence in Najaf-al-Ashraf. He directed his office to provide the World Federation with insight into how this could be accomplished in practical terms.

The President then called upon His Eminence’s son Syed Mohamed Ridha Sistani and discussed matters pertaining to the welfare of the Shia communities and current challenges facing the young generation as they relate their faith in the modern context. He thanked Syed Mohamed Ridha for facilitating robust and strong communication between the Marjaiyyat and the World Federation and that this was vital in bridging any perceived gap between the Majraiyat and the Muqalideen. A range of issues were discussed including Najaf’s support in designing Hawza courses for the community at all levels.

Meeting with Ayatollah Ishaq Faiyyaz
The President called upon Ayatullah Ishaq Faiyyaz at his residency. He conveyed the community’s greetings and enquired about the health of Agha. His Eminence stated that he was recovering well following his treatment in London and prayed for the community. He also expressed thanks to the community for the hospitality rendered during his stay there.

The President also called upon the Son of Ayatullah Faiyyaz, Hojjatul Islam Mahmood Faiyaz and discussed matters of mutual interest including how the World Federation could assist the mo’mineen of Afghanistan through spiritual and humanitarian support through his office

Meeting with Ayatollah Bashir Najafi
The President of the World Federation called upon Ayatollah Bashir Najafi and briefed him on  WF activities, including developments on the Madrasah Centre of Excellence (MCE) initiatives. Ayatollah Bashir emphasised the need for parental involvement in the madaris as the key for success of any such initiatives. He felt that for communities in the West, the parental role was fundamental and that dual morality leads to confusion in a young mind.  As such,  any madaris initiatives devoid of parental training would not fully succeed in its objectives.